The last day for drop off or pick up of any items is next Wednesday, April 27! Contact Britta Langley at britta.langley@olympia.org with any questions.
Check out these Mathematicians writing equations from word problems and then solving for the variable!
Second graders at South are giving shout-outs to their classmates as they recognize one another demonstrating characteristics of a Marigold. A Marigold is someone who protects them, helps them thrive, and encourages their growth. Look at all of these awesome Marigolds at Oly South!
Empathize with the Pressure to Overshare
Tweens and teens might feel pushed into sharing a sexy photo for different reasons: a dare, fear of damaging a relationship, or just because "everyone else is doing it." But this one is nonnegotiable. Tell them that you understand how bad it can feel to disappoint a friend. Then help them imagine how much worse it would feel if a private picture were shared with their whole school.
Help Kids Navigate Online Friendships
In the beginning, you might limit all communication with strangers online. As kids get older, you can monitor any online chatting. And once they're more independent, you can discuss which methods of communication are appropriate as well as which types of information to keep private from online-only friends.
Olympia Middle School was named a Horizon School to Watch! Check out the story here: https://bit.ly/3uY7GIG
Foster & Adoptive Families - an informal time for you to connect and network!
Congratulations to Sophomore Sarah Cross for shattering the girls record with a lift of 275 lbs. in the squat in early bird this morning. #Spartanstrong
My Social Media Life
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv6
For most middle schoolers, being on social media can mean connecting with friends, sharing pictures, and keeping up-to-date. But it can also mean big-time distractions, social pressures, and more. Help your kids navigate the different feelings they may already be experiencing on social media.
In this video, kids hear what other teens have to say about using social media to connect with friends, consider the complications and distractions that can happen, and think critically about how social media affects their own relationships.
The varsity /JV baseball and the varsity /JV softball games scheduled for today April 18th at Pontiac have been cancelled. Middle School track meet at Bloomington Junior High is also cancelled.
Learn About Their Worlds
Teens have unique communication styles, especially online. As much as possible, keep an eye on what they're saying and doing online to understand the norm in their worlds. Don't police everything they say, but keep an ear out for aggressive trash-talking, hate speech, rude images, or anything hurtful. If you see stuff that crosses the line, speak up. Kids need to understand that their words have consequences.
Play a Game of Telephone
Discuss how messages can change depending on the person delivering it or the delivery method. Ask a question like "What are you doing?" with different tones of voice. Talk about how emoji and punctuation can help communicate tone and emotion in texts.
Congratulations to Ian Murphy who broke our school record in the squat this morning with a lift of 555 lbs!
The Olympia Middle School 6th Grade Team and Administration are visiting each Oly Elementary building to introduce themselves to the current 5th grade students. This is a great opportunity for students to meet the 6th grade teachers, Administrators, and ask important questions about what to expect at OMS next year.
The JV baseball game scheduled for today April 13th at home vs Eureka has been cancelled.
Chatting Safely Online
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv3
Games, social media, and other online spaces give kids opportunities to meet and chat with others outside the confines of their real-life communities. But how well do kids actually know the people they're meeting and interacting with? Help students consider whom they're talking to and the types of information they're sharing online.
Students hear from teens about the benefits and drawbacks of presenting themselves differently (or even anonymously) to others online, and consider what it means to "be yourself" in digital spaces.
Video Lesson Activity: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UOkBAabgQthEAxHAMmu_H_7ZE6pHXeNEqrS7nDi-hCs/edit
Owen Dare's performance at the Metamora Invite has put him in the running for athlete of the week. Go to Peoria Journal star to vote!
https://www.pjstar.com/sports/high-school/
Children who will be 5 years old by September 1st can pre-register for Kindergarten TONIGHT!
Civil Discourse Online
When we talk about our personal beliefs and politics, passions can run high -- especially when we're online. These intense moments can often lead to tit-for-tat insults, or worse. But, if addressed calmly and coolly, they can be an opportunity to find common ground and deeper understanding. Teach your children to keep disagreements civil so their ideas will be heard and so they can advocate for positive change.
In this video, you will hear from Cameron Kasky, Parkland school shooting survivor and March for Our Lives activist, on what he learned about civil discourse online and how to foster common ground with others, even in disagreement.
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv7
Video Discussion Activity: bit.ly/olyRCda2
The OHS NHS Chapter partnered with Lexington HS NHS Chapter to host the first Bunny Bop Easter Egg Hunt! Thank you to all the families that came out to enjoy the day! Proceeds from the event will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
